Episoder
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Joining the final episode of the series is Josefine Speyer, a German psychotherapist based in London who has dedicated much of her life to changing the way we approach death and dying. Josefine co-founded the Natural Death Centre in 1991 with her late husband, Nicholas Albery. This educational charity has been a beacon of support, offering free and impartial advice on all aspects of dying, bereavement, and consumer rights, including assistance with burials and funerals.
Josefine shares her captivating journey, from her unconventional start in Frestonia to her profound spiritual experiences following her husband's tragic death. We delve into her artistic nature, her move to the UK, and her deep-seated belief in the power of natural burials and non-traditional funerals.
Josefine's insights are not only enlightening but also deeply moving, providing a rich tapestry of experiences and wisdom on the often-taboo subject of death. Join us as we explore her thoughts on making our final journeys meaningful and personal, and learn from her unique perspective on life, death, and everything in between.
Tune in to this poignant episode of The Life and Death Podcast with Josefine Speyer, and be prepared to see death in a new light.
Find out more about The Natural Death Centre http://www.naturaldeath.org.uk/
Follow us on Instagram: @ashgate_hospice
Support resources: https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/resource-centre/
This episode of The Life and Death podcast was produced by Olivia Swift and it’s a Reform Radio production. -
We explore a topic often overlooked—coping with pet loss. Our guest, Dr. Katie Lawlor, a psychologist based in San Francisco, shares her personal and professional experiences with the profound grief that comes with the death of a beloved animal companion.
Dr. Lawlor discusses how her journey through the loss of her rabbit, Gem, during the pandemic led her to create her Instagram page, petlossdoctor. She opens up about the challenges of discussing her pet's death with colleagues and how this inspired her to support others facing similar experiences.
Growing up as the introverted middle sister, Dr. Lawlor found solace in the company of animals. Her summers in Ireland, surrounded by animals, shaped her understanding of the unique bond between humans and their pets. She highlights the lack of specialised services for pet loss and stresses the importance of acknowledging and addressing this grief.
Throughout the episode, Dr. Lawlor addresses common questions about pet loss, such as coping with guilt and regret, and offers insights on navigating this difficult time. She emphasises that grief is a natural response to losing someone you love, whether they are human or animal.
Tune in to hear Dr. Lawlor's heartfelt stories and valuable advice on coping with pet loss. Learn how her work is providing comfort and support to others experiencing grief. This episode is essential listening for anyone who has ever loved and lost a pet.
You can follow Dr. Katie Lawlor on her Instagram page.
Find out more about her book; A Tribute to My Beloved Animal: A Journal to Process Grief & Loss.
Follow us on Instagram: @ashgate_hospice
Support resources: https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/resource-centre/
This episode of The Life and Death podcast was produced by Olivia Swift and it’s a Reform Radio production. -
Mangler du episoder?
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Simon Critchley is a renowned philosopher at the New School for Social Research in New York. Simon teaches the popular course "Critchley on Tragedy," and has been recognised as one of the top 25 most influential philosophers today.
Simon delves into his fascinating life story, including his early years in Hertfordshire, a life-changing accident, and his journey into philosophy. He shares insights from his book, The Book of Dead Philosophers, which examines how the deaths of 190 philosophers reflect their lives and ideas.
Join us as Simon recounts some intriguing tales, such as Pythagoras's peculiar death and Jeremy Bentham's posthumous display at University College London. He discusses the therapeutic side of philosophy and how confronting our mortality can lead to greater freedom, compassion, and understanding.
Tune in for an episode filled with humour, deep reflections on mortality, and the wisdom that philosophy can offer in understanding life and death.
Find out more about Simon his book here: https://www.simoncritchley.org/
Follow us on Instagram: @ashgate_hospice
Support resources: https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/
This episode of The Life and Death podcast was produced by Olivia Swift and it’s a Reform Radio production. -
Julie McFadden is better known by her online persona Hospice Nurse Julie. With her background as an ICU nurse, Julie developed a passion for educating people about death and dying. For the past eight years, she has been making a significant impact as a hospice nurse, helping others face end of life issues with compassion.
Julie’s journey into online education began when her young nieces introduced her to TikTok. She started sharing insights about death and dying, and soon her videos went viral, garnering a large following. Her content, ranging from biological processes at the end of life to demystifying deathbed phenomena, helps normalise conversations about death and offers comfort to many. She emphasises that understanding death can reduce fear and enhance our lives.
Julie’s new book, "Nothing to Fear: Demystifying Death to Live More Fully," is a valuable guide for anyone seeking peace in the face of mortality. It combines educational insights with personal stories, making it a comforting resource for both patients and caregivers.
Follow Julie on:
YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@hospicenursejulie
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@hospicenursejulie
Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hospicenursejulie
Facebook https://www.facebook.com/people/Hospice-nurse-julie/100077937666311/
Follow us on Instagram: @ashgate_hospice
Support resources: https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/
This episode of The Life and Death podcast was produced by Olivia Swift and it’s a Reform Radio production. -
Internationally recognised author and speaker, Rebecca Soffer, began her journey into grief unexpectedly in her early 30s after her mother was killed in a car crash and her father died of a heart attack. The weight of this loss at such a young age left Rebecca feeling untethered.
Rebecca candidly shares her deeply personal story of navigating loss and finding comfort in shared understanding. From forming a monthly dinner party called WWDP (Women With Dead Parents) to co-founding the Modern Loss movement, Rebecca's journey highlights the power of community in the face of grief.
Rebecca's experiences inspired her to create a platform dedicated to removing the stigma surrounding grief and providing support and resources for those navigating their own journey of loss. Through heartfelt conversations and genuine human connection, Rebecca offers insights into the universal nature of grief and the strength of human connection in times of loss.
Check out Modern Loss online at www.modernloss.com
The Modern Loss Handbook: An Interactive Guide to Moving Through Grief and Building Your Resilience" is available on Amazon in the UK.
Follow us on Instagram: @ashgate_hospice
Support resources: https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/
This episode of The Life and Death podcast was produced by Olivia Swift and it’s a Reform Radio production. -
Stephen chats to Mock the Week star, Ed Byrne, as he shares the deeply personal story behind his new comedy show, "Tragedy Plus Time". Ed opens up about the death of his brother Paul, and how his death became the catalyst for Ed's exploration of grief and humour.
Reflecting on the moments leading up to Paul's death and the complexities of sibling relationships, Ed and host Stephen Rumford delve into the healing power of laughter amidst sorrow.
Discover the profound impact of loss, the importance of cherishing our loved ones, and the enduring wisdom shared by Ed's late brother: "you can be as serious as you want but there always has to be a joke."
See if there’s a show near you.
Follow us on Instagram @ashgate_hospice
Support resources.
This episode of The Life and Death podcast was produced by Olivia Swift and it’s a Reform Radio production. -
When Amber’s mum died suddenly, shortly after her 19th birthday, she spiralled into a life of self-destruction. After several turbulent years and unable to find the support she needed, Amber started The Grief Gang podcast. This podcast became her outlet, a resource dedicated to people who were experiencing bereavement like she was. Seven years since her mum Sue’s death, Amber chats about the sudden death of her mother at such a young age and how this tragedy has inspired her to help others.
Find out more about The Grief Gang
Follow us on Instagram @ashgate_hospice
Support resources: https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/
The Life and Death podcast is produced by Reform Radio. -
Trigger Warning: Listener discretion is strongly recommended. Hayley talks quite graphically about what death looks like, including what a body might look like after death. This includes discussions of infant death as she talks about her experience of seeing a baby in a mortuary.
Hayley Campbell is a journalist, writer and broadcaster whose book, All the Living and the Dead, delivers a gripping look at the professionals who have made death their lives work. She talks to embalmers, a former death row executioner, mass fatality investigators, a bereavement midwife, and many more.
Hayley spent two years immersed in a field few people know about. Amongst the many questions raised, Hayley contemplates: ‘would facing death directly make us fear it less?’
Find out more about Hayley on her website: https://www.hayleycampbell.com/
Follow us on Instagram @ashgate_hospice
Support resources: https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/
The Life and Death podcast is produced by Reform Radio. -
Through The Dead and Alive Project, Klaus Bo documents death rituals from across the globe. From the Day of the Dead celebrations in Mexico, where families clean the bones of their ancestors who may have been dead for decades, to families in the Philippines who, due to poverty and overpopulation, are literally living alongside the dead in cemeteries. Klaus takes us on a trip around the world, chatting about his interest in death rituals, and how other cultures view the dead.
Check out his unique and eye-opening project - viewer discretion is advised: www.deadandaliveproject.com
Instagram @deadandaliveproject
Follow us on Instagram @ashgate_hospice
Support resources: https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/
The Life and Death podcast is produced by Reform Radio. -
It was the 9th September 1989 when Tim’s dad died. It was also Tim’s wedding day. Tim Sullivan is a film director, screenwriter and novelist (Cold Feet, Coronation Street, Letters to Juliet) and in this episode he opens up about the events of that day, how it has shaped his life, and how it has influenced his writing.
Tim’s website: https://timsullivan.co.uk/
Follow us on Instagram @ashgate_hospice
Support resources: https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/
The Life and Death podcast is produced by Reform Radio. -
In 2011, London-based artist Annie Nicholson suffered an unimaginable tragedy when three members of her family were killed in a tragic accident. She talks to Stephen about how the incident changed her life and how she has used her art to help navigate the complexities of grief. Through her alter-ego Fandangoe Kid, Annie uses dancing and music to help unpack her trauma and encourage others to have open and honest conversations.
Follow Annie on Instagram @fandangoekid
Follow us on Instagram @ashgate_hospice
Annie's website: https://www.fandangoekid.com/
Support resources: https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/
The Life and Death podcast is produced by Reform Radio. -
When Ruth’s husband was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer, she began documenting their journey through social media and a personal blog. Almost one year since Pete’s death, Ruth reflects on the last year, how the blog has helped others, and how she’s found hope in the face of adversity.
https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/resource-centre/
The Life and Death podcast is produced by Reform Radio. -
In this episode, we are joined by Progressive Funeral Director, Louise Winter who is also one half of the team behind Life. Death. Whatever, an initiative redesigning the dialogue around death and dying.
Louise talks with Stephen about her mission to get people to talk more openly about death and dying, reframing how we talk about death and what she has learned about living as a result.
She also discusses the importance of people coming together to say their goodbyes and sharing the experience.
Louise’s book ‘We All Know How This Ends - Lessons about life and living from working with death and dying’ – is out now.
Follow Life. Death. Whatever. on Instagram -
In this episode, we chat to former academic, turned writer and TEDx speaker Stacey Heale whose husband, Delays drummer Greg Gilbert, died from bowel cancer last year. Since Greg's death Stacey has used social media to document her family’s journey, offering an honest insight into “how to live well in the rubble of your life.”
The mother of two discusses the difference between expectation and reality of death and grieving, the painful moment her and Greg told their children he was dying and what life looks like for her now.
You can find Stacey on Instagram @stacey_heale. -
Acclaimed journalist and Sunday Times bestseller, Clover Stroud, joins us in this episode for a look at how death can help you see the world in vivid colour. Clover’s beloved sister, Nell died suddenly, days after having been told that even with a cancer diagnosis, she would live for years. The shock tore Clover’s life apart and led to her writing ‘The Red of My Blood’ which chronicles Clover’s fearless passage through the first year after her sister's death.
In this chat Clover and Stephen explore what death teaches us about life, how to navigate grief and the gift that death has given to Clover.
Clover’s book is as much about life as it is death - The Red of My Blood is out now. -
In this episode, Stephen sits down with Mary-Frances O’Connor. Mary is an associate professor at the University of Arizona, where she leads the grief, loss and social stress (Glass) lab, investigating the effects of grief on the brain and the body. She’s also the author of The Grieving Brain: How We Learn from Love and Loss.
They discuss how neuroscience can help us to better understand grief, why grief is different from grieving, how grief can change and evolve over time, and how to support people when they are grieving. -
For the first episode of our new season, Stephen talks to Kimberley Greaves, a young widow and mother of two. Tragically, at just 44 years old, her husband, Andrew, died after being diagnosed with bladder cancer three and a half years before. Kimberley has spent the last 12 months coming to terms with life as a young widow. Join us as we find out what life has been like following the death of Andrew, how she’s coped, and what the future might look like for her and her two young children.
Twitter: @Ashgate_Hospice
Facebook: www.facebook.com/AshgateHospice
Instagram: @ashgate_hospice -
Podcast host and Ashgate’s senior physiotherapist, Stephen Rumford, sits down with Maria Conyers, whose husband died at the beginning of the pandemic, Maddie Zygmunt, who first experienced grief at just five years old and Ashgate’s Reflective Practice Manager, Simon Bell, who shares his expert view and coping strategies.
https://ashgatehospice.org.uk/resource-centre/ -
“If you ever want some good advice, talk to a funeral director.” Drew Lilleker talks about the emotional responsibility of his job, supporting bereaved families, and working around death.
- Se mer
